New Delhi, 24 March (H.S.):

Argentina suffered a double defensive setback for FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations Tuesday with key defenders Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel ruled out of March-April internationals due to injuries.

Balerdi nursing a calf strain joins 2022 World Cup winner Montiel sidelined by a grade-1 biceps femoris tear in his left leg sustained post-penalty celebration for River Plate requiring stretcher exit.

Coach Lionel Scaloni yet to name Montiels replacement while Balerdis spot goes to 2024 Copa America winner Lucas Martinez Quarta eyeing final World Cup squad inclusion.

The team now faces Mauritania March 27 and Zambia March 31 at Buenos Aires La Bombonera after Qatar Football Festival postponement amid West Asia tensions.

Updated roster lists goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez Jeronimo Rulli Juan Musso defenders Nahuel Molina Cristian Romero Lucas Martinez Quarta Marcos Senesi Nicolas Otamendi Nicolas Tagliafico Gabriel Rojas Marcos Acuna midfielders Leandro Paredes Massimo Perone Alexis Mac Allister Enzo Fernandez Valentin Barco Rodrigo De Paul Exequiel Palacios forwards Lionel Messi Nicolas Paz Gianluca Prestianni Nicolas Gonzalez Julian Alvarez Thiago Almada Jose Lopez.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar